If I Already Have a Job in HR, is it Worth it to get my Masters in Human Resources?

The field of HR has changed dramatically in the last decade. With new occupational laws, new safety procedures, new benefit requirements, and the department as a whole working more closely with other outside departments, there are more upper-level management and executive positions available. If you are currently working as a recruiter, an benefits counselor, or another entry-level to mid-level position in Human Resources, you may be wondering if it is necessary to pursue an advanced Master’s degree in the field.

While many professionals find that gaining experience with an organization will open them up to more opportunities, most mid-sized and large organizations prefer to hire management with a graduate-level degree in the field. Read on to learn just how valuable a Master’s degree in Human Resources can be.

Professionals Seeking High-level Positions Will Become Experts in the Field

If you currently hold an undergraduate degree with a concentration in HR, you have build a basic understanding of the field. Most employers require that new applicants possess an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree before they will consider the applicant during the recruitment process. While a Bachelor’s degree with a major in HR will provide students with that solid foundation that is imperative, a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management expands this knowledge and takes it to the next level so that graduates can deal with more complex issues. By completing a Master’s degree, students will cover more strategic aspects of HR duties that are not covered in lower-level programs.

Supplementing Knowledge and Becoming More of an Asset

So many different influential business decisions are made by HR executives and managers, and because these positions affect the company’s bottom line, an organization will take the selection of Human Resources Managers, Directors, Consultants and Vice Presidents. The upper-level professionals within the HR Department manage the human capital of the company, and employers would prefer that candidates have both experience and an advanced degree.

By earning a Master’s degree in HR or HRM, you can supplement your knowledge and also make yourself more of an asset when your employer is looking to promote professionals from within. If there are not any open positions for upper-level managers or directors where you are currently working, having a graduate degree will ensure that your resume is considered by other companies if you choose to apply elsewhere. If you want a bright future in the field of HR, the degree that you work hard toward will open doors for you in both domestic and global markets.

Increasing Your Lifetime Earning Potential

You may be familiar with the types of positions you can pursue with a graduate degree, but you should also take the time to learn what the average salaries reported within these positions are. With a graduate degree in HR, you can increase your lifetime earning potential because the management positions pay a much higher salary than other lower level positions. Directors have been reported to earn an average of $127,000 per year in the HR field. Managers within HR make an average of $80,000. In addition to good compensation packages, HR executives also receive great benefits and incentives.

While attending graduate school will require a monetary and time commitment, the commitment will pay off over time. Not only can you improve your future in the field, you can take on more responsibility and increase your salary by becoming the boss. With a Master’s degree, you can go places and broaden your horizons.